About Desert Arc:

In its 65th year, Desert Arc is a $20MM regional nonprofit organization employing 300 persons committed to enhancing the quality of life and creating opportunities for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

Position Summary:

The President/Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and financial management of Desert Arc. This position requires a dynamic, visionary, social services professional who can drive the organization forward, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and the fulfillment of Desert Arc’s mission. S/he will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and community partners to promote the growth and sustainability of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategy:
• Provide inspirational leadership and direction to staff.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture that embodies Person-Centered Thinking care.
• Strategize with Inland Regional Center, CA Department of Rehabilitation, and area high schools to maintain a pipeline of clients.

Operational Management:

• Oversee operations of Desert Arc’s finance department, social services programs, transportation system, human resources, and business services ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Implement and monitor policies, procedures, and systems that promote the delivery of high-quality services.
• Ensure the maintenance and improvement of facilities (owned and leased) along with the necessary technological infrastructure.

Financial Management:

• Guide the development and management of the annual budget, ensuring financial stability.
• Drive strategies to promote client participation to maximize reimbursement potential.
• Oversee financial reporting, auditing, and compliance activities.
• Advocate with the Department of Disability Services for full cost reimbursement from year to year.
• Maintain and grow the organization’s fiscal reserve fund.
• Chaperon fund development efforts to ensure maximum return on special events, grant opportunities, planned giving, and cash or in-kind donations.

Social Services Program Development and Evaluation:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services positioning Desert Arc as a leader in the industry.
• Ensure continuous improvement and innovation of client enrichment programming.
• Establish and monitor performance metrics to assess the quality of programs.
• Ensure business services are scaling appropriately to meet the needs of client employment and the purchasing public.
• Maintain mandatory accreditation (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities).
• Champion the development of affordable, permanent housing for the IDD population.

Community and Public Relations:

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for Desert Arc, representing the organization to the public, media, and key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, donors, and elected officials.
• Advocate for policies and initiatives that support the mission of Desert Arc through active participation on the board of The Arc of California, The Arc California Conference of Executives, and the activities of the California Disabilities Services Association.

Board Relations:

• Work collaboratively with Directors and Committees to set organizational priorities and goals through strategic planning.
• Provide regular updates and reports on the status of operations, finances, and strategic initiatives.
• Assist with the recruitment, orientation, development, and engagement of Board members.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Social Work, or a closely related field preferred.

• Experience: 7 years of progressive senior management experience in a nonprofit or public social services organization with at least 3 of those years in an executive leadership role.

Ideal Skills:

• Leadership: Proven track record of effective leadership, strategic planning, people and organizational development.

• Fund Development: Skilled fundraiser with a proven track record of donor cultivation (major gifts, special events, planned giving, capital campaigns, etc.).

• Financial Acumen: Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and financial analysis.

• Communication: Excellent interpersonal, public speaking, and written communication skills. Adept with social media and marketing strategies.

• Collaboration: Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with families, caregivers, advocates, and diverse stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels. Experience working with public social service systems that fund services, and set policy for the care of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

• Innovation: Demonstrated success driving innovation and growth in social service delivery, workforce development, and business services that employ adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

• Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish)

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must submit a resume with a cover letter detailing alignment between your candidacy and the Key Responsibilities, Minimum Qualifications, and Ideal Skills outlined in this recruitment.

Please email this information to rstewart@desertarc.org before October 15, 2024.

Desert Arc is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Palm Desert, CA 92260: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person